Cardinals Reportedly Don't Seem Interested in Long-Term Extension With Marcell Ozuna
By Michael Luciano
The St. Louis Cardinals finally added the pop in the middle of the order that they needed when they traded for Miami Marlins All-Star outfielder Marcell Ozuna. Just two years after that deal, there is a chance Ozuna has played his last game for St. Louis.
The Cardinals interest in committing to Ozuna long-term is lacking, but they did extended a qualifying offer to him in order to recoup a draft pick if he signs elsewhere.
The #STLCards don't appear interested in a long-term contract with free-agent outfielder Marcell Ozuna, but wanted to make qualifying offer to assure draft pick compensation.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 4, 2019
Did...did the Marlins win this trade? After all, they got an All-Star pitcher in Sandy Alcantara for two or three years of sub-prime Ozuna.
Ozuna has been more than solid for the Cardinals, clubbing 52 home runs and driving in 177 runs while posting an OPS+ of 106 in his two-year stint. However, those numbers are a steep decline from the .312 average, 37 home runs, and 124 RBIs that he racked up during his final year in Miami.
We have tendered a qualifying offer to free-agent OF Marcell Ozuna.
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) November 4, 2019
Additionally, C Joe Hudson has elected to become a free-agent after being outrighted from the 40-man roster. pic.twitter.com/ZWr4RmLuOp
Ozuna has his place in the middle of a lineup on some team, but his value will be difficult to gauge. While he was excellent in the postseason and has plenty of pop, he's declined over the last two years and will cost you a pick.